Arts & Museums

Bede (AD673-735) was one of Europe's greatest scholars and the first person to record the history of the English nation. He lived and worked as a monk at Jarrow, just over the river from Newcastle. But don't think that Bede's World will be as dry as old books. It's a rich and varied exploration of the golden age of Northumbria which will keep you occupied for many hours. You can visit the 1300 year old St Paul's church and monastic site, Gyrwe, a working Anglo Saxon farm with its timber buildings and rare animal breeds, Jarrow Hall, a late Georgian house, and a museum that reveals the world in which Bede lived.

The Bowes Railway is the only working preserved rope-hauled railway in the world. Educational and fun visitors can ride the steam trains from Springwell to Blackham's Hill, and watch two working inclines in operation. Bowes is an enthusiast's dream. It houses a comprehensive collection of steam locomotives, colliery wagons, and industrial diesel locomotives, and has featured in a number of period television programs. There is free parking and entry is very reasonably priced.

This visitor attraction charts the history of a fort abandoned by the Romans over a millennium and a half ago. Segedunum features a reconstruction of a Roman Bath House, an interactive museum (with lots of audio and visual stimulation to keep adults and children interested), and on-going excavations of the fort and surrounding area. There is also an exhibition that traces the history of the area from the Roman occupation to the present day. Visitors can ascend the NASA-like viewing tower for a spectacular view of the site and wider Tyneside. Other visitor facilities include: cafe, gift-shop, auditorium and conference facilities. Hours vary on particular dates. Check website for more.

A visit to the National Glass Centre lets you explore the roots of Sunderland's glass manufacturing industry as well as how it thrived over the years. This is narrated through its permanent displays as well as glass production stories. National Glass Centre relies on first-hand, moving anecdotes narrated by the locals as well as on high-end audio-visual demonstrations to trace this illustrious industry's history and legacy, dating back to the 7th Century till today. One-to-one Glass Blowing exhibits at National Glass Centre remain its most striking feature, offering a one-of-its-kind creative encounter. The center also conducts craft and jewelry making classes. Its free glass blowing exhibitions are extremely popular. With its easy-to-learn, fun workshops and other activities, National Glass Centre promises an enriching experience for the entire family.

Opened in the year 1840, this station was built with a distinct architectural design and was commissioned by George Hudson a popular railway entrepreneur. This beautiful structure begins with a portico that takes you inside a large entrance hall and a booking office. All the elements inside and outside the building are well preserved and hence this structure is listed as a Grade II building. The Monkwearmouth Station was turned into a museum and now is open to public everyday.

The continuing excavations at Arbeia have revealed the remains of an important Roman fort and supply base near the eastern extremity of Hadrian's Wall. The Romans had a fort on the site from the first to the fourth century AD. Archaeologists have also found the remains of an Iron Age settlement that was there before the Romans and of two people who died violently during the Dark Ages. The life-size replica of the West gate was built on the site of the original gate and is an ideal introduction to what a fort's wall and defences were like. Plans are being made to rebuild the entire fort in something close to its original condition.

A heritage rail line, North Tyneside Steam Railway provides leisure trips during summers. On the route, you can explore ruins of the ancient Tyne and Blyth line and the old railway structures. The train journey begins at Museum Station and concludes at Percy Main. Though the trains are powered by steam locomotives, diesel locomotives are also used on some occasions. The museum is home to several rare locomotives and a unique NER parcels carrier dating back to the year 1904. This is the only one of its type that still survives. The museum also features a working specimen of an electric engine belonging to the Harton Colliery System.

Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art exhibits intriguing and progressive art works by aspiring as well as established artists from England and other parts of the globe. Established in the year 1995, this art space is nestled inside the City Library and Arts Centre. Artists can explore various opportunities to portray their latest works while visitors get to see prominent art works of modern times. Every couple of months, Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art stages a new art exhibition, apart from workshops and family-friendly activities. Its unique craft shop is buzzing with innovative gifting options.

Founded in 1846, the Sunderland Museum started out as one of the first municipal museums in the country, second only to the one in London. The current museum building also houses an art gallery that showcases L.S. Lowry's artworks and a winter garden featuring over 2000 rare botanical specimens. Depicting the progress of the city right from its prehistoric origins, the museum is listed amongst the most visited museums in the country. Most popular exhibits here include Wallace, the taxidermy lion and the first Nissan car ever made. Apart from this, the management also organizes many fun-learning events to benefit and inspire school children.

Learn about the great days of steam railways in this fascinating museum, and on weekends ride on a working steam train. A number of steam and electric powered locomotives can be seen, including George Stephenson's Billy, a forerunner of the more famous Rocket. If you are feeling puckish enjoy a pot of tea and a snack in the traditional Victorian Tea Rooms. A number of special family events are arranged throughout the year, including story telling days and Wildlife Wanders for people who want to combine the pleasure of an easy country stroll with the thrill of a steam train ride.

Built in 1887, the distinctive wooden Watch House stands guard at the mouth of the Tyne, a symbol of local men's bravery at sea, and the home of the UK's first Volunteer Life Brigade. The unpaid volunteers continue to provide coastal search and rescue to this day. The novel The Watch House by Robert Westall (a famous children's author) casts the building at the heart of a ghost story. And with reason! The Museum allows a step back in time: wooden figureheads from the age of sail, and ghostly photographs of ships and seamen involved in famous disasters on the Tyne are just some of the exhibits in this small museum.

The Shipley Art Gallery which opened in 1917 continues to be one of the UK's best small provincial art galleries. The Contemporary Craft Gallery is of national importance displaying a range of glass, ceramics, metalwork, furniture and jewelery by the country's leading makers. The permanent "Made in Gateshead" exhibition explores the town's industrial history. There is a small collection of Old Master paintings. Exciting exhibition program, activities and workshops for young and old reflect the Shipley's long-standing involvement in the local community. There is a small gift shop.